2213 days ago

Taupō district now smoke and vape free

Darren Petry from Taupō District Council

Taupō is now a smoke and vape free district, under the new Taupō District Council Smokefree Action Plan.

The plan supports the Government’s goal for New Zealand to become a smokefree country by 2025 and covers public places across the district, including the lakefront, that will now be smoke and vape free.

“Encouraging our community to be smoke and vape free helps support the health and wellbeing of our families and whanau,” said councillor John Williamson who holds the environment portfolio alongside councillor John Mack.

“We know the lakefront is an important part of who we are here in Taupō and we really wanted to ensure this was included in the plan and it will also mean we are looking after our lake by reducing litter and butts.

“By creating these smoke and vape free environments across our district we are setting the best example for our children and de-normalising smoking. Evidence shows that doing this reduces the likelihood of smoking later in life,” added councillor John Mack.

“We’re also encouraging any cafes with outdoor dining to come on board and encourage their diners to be smoke and vape free too,” he said.

The areas across the district that are smoke and vape free are:

CBD / Civic Spaces
Reserves and Parks, including lakefront reserves and beaches
Sports Grounds
Outdoor Dining
Events - events on Council property, and funded or supported by Council
Council Buildings
Bus stops and shelters
Social Housing

There will be signage in place where areas are smoke and vape free and while not a by-law, the plan aims to use education and awareness to reduce smoking and vaping.

Pictured (left to right): Environmental Ranger Shannon Hanson, Councillor John Mack, Councillor John Williamson with the signage that is about to be put in place across the district.

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The Team from Patrick Hogan Village

A Valentine’s-inspired wedding dress show at Ryman Healthcare’s Logan Campbell Village is providing the perfect opportunity for residents to share memories of their romantic day.

But for Emma Muller, it has also turned into an opportunity to celebrate her late daughter Nicola, who died 19 years ago at the age of 37.

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7 days ago

Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙

One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.

So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?

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Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
  • 59.4% Yes, supporting people is important!
    59.4% Complete
  • 26.4% No, individuals should take responsibility
    26.4% Complete
  • 14.2% ... It is complicated
    14.2% Complete
1179 votes
1 day ago

Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

Make a hearty dish. Take just half a minute. Add four parts of kestrel. Then just add one. What have you made?

(Trev from Silverdale kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Trev!)

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!

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